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Major UK airport reveals new security technology – as study reveals passengers now wear outfits specifically for checks
A THIRD of flyers are adapting their airport attire to account for security checks, research has found.
A poll of 2,000 adults found 77 per cent have previously had to remove their shoes in airport security.
And 30 per cent feel restricted by what they can wear before jetting off.
Only 19 per cent of passengers will wear boots at an airport because of the need to take them off, and 30 per cent have previously avoided wearing boots to account for security when travelling.
The research was commissioned by London Luton Airport, which has recently installed next generation security scanners meaning passengers no longer need to remove footwear or have wardrobe worries.
It also means travellers can also leave liquids and electronic items in their bags as they pass through security.
Neil Thompson, chief operations officer at the airport, said: “We were delighted to become one of the first major airports in the UK to offer the benefits of next generation security to passengers ahead of what was a busy and successful summer at the airport.
“This investment provides LLA with enhanced screening technology, significantly streamlining operations to ensure a simple, friendly airport experience for all of our guests.”
It also emerged from the research that a quarter of travellers cited footwear as the first item of clothing considered when deciding on their airport ‘get up’.
With this rising to 43 per cent for Gen Z 44 per cent for Millennial flyers.
More than one in four (26 per cent) of passengers dread the prospect of having to go barefoot when at the security gates.
As many feel embarrassed (20 per cent) and self-conscious (20 per cent) at the prospect of baring their feet whilst going through security in case they have a hole in their sock.
Bu nearly half (46 per cent) are excited by the prospect of a more simplified travel process.
And as a result, many are planning on sporting heavy footwear before they next jet off, like Timberlands (26 per cent) and Dr Martens (23 per cent).
Harry & Meghan’s home in Portugal will ‘open return to Royal Family’ as their kids ‘will want to reconcile with William’
PRINCE Harry is ‘keeping a door open’ to the Royal Family buying a Portugal home, as it “could be a very nice way in”, claimed a royal expert.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex snapped up a luxurious property in Alentejo, Portugal, just a stone’s throw away from Princess Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank.
As reported by the Mail, the couple plan to set up a base there after being seen in the area last September following the Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, Germany.
Royal expert Hugo Vickers told The Sun Harry’s close bond with his cousin should be “encouraged” and will ” keep these avenues of communication open”.
The royal author suggested a friendship between Harry and Eugenie’s children “could be a wonderful route in” to royal life.
The Sussexes share two children Archie, five, and Lilibet, three.
They are similar in age to Eugenie and Jack’s two sons – August, three, and Ernest, one.
Mr Vickers hinted it may provide a way to form connections with Prince William and Princess Kate’s trio, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six.
He told The Sun: “I think what you say about you know the connection between the Brooksbank children and Prince Harry’s children could be very significant as the years go on, because they will know their cousins as they grow up. And that could be a very nice way in.
“I have always thought that it’s very sad for Archie and Lilibet that that one day it’ll dawn on them that their cousin is going to be the King of England one day, and normally you’d really rather like to get involved with all that I would have thought, it could be a very interesting extension to life, and so that could be a wonderful route in.
“I think that’s a very significant point.”
Mr Vickers also felt there is “a big part” of Harry “that wonders what he gave up”.
The royal expert believed he would “encourage” his children to have the same options he had as a working royal – something he himself “was terribly good at”.
“So by giving them proximity to Eugenie’s children as they grow up, I think that it’s a fantastic opportunity for them to all get to know each other as time goes on, and they will reach a certain age,” added Mr Vickers.
The author also said Archie and Lilibet will “make up their own minds” once they reach a certain age.
“The next generation very often tries to mend the bridges,” he added.
“You just need to keep these avenues of communication open, and that may not be the most direct avenue, but it is an avenue, and it should be encouraged.”
The royal expert also touched on the connection between Harry and Eugenie and dubbed the Princess “a very important part of his previous life”.
‘A BIG WORRY FOR HARRY’
But, Mr Vickers highlighted two other key reasons why the Sussexes may want a camp in Europe away from their Montecito mansion.
Other than the “lovely long beaches” and stunning landscape, Harry’s visa battle still hangs over him.
“It is possible that if Trump gets in one of the first things he will do as a sort of publicity stunt flexing his muscles is to chuck Prince Harry out of America on account of the fact that he once took drugs and has admitted this,” said Mr Vickers.
“So that is a big worry for Prince Harry, I would suspect so maybe he is covering his options and getting a property so that he’s got somewhere to go if that happens.”
Prince Harry and Princess Eugenie's frienship
By Summer Raemason
Eugenie was once described as being “best friends” with Prince Harry, despite the royal rift with William and King Charles.
The Sussexes were said to have made a “mega-secret romantic trip to Eugenie’s Portuguese resort without Archie & Lilibet last September.
Princess Eugenie was handed the keys to Frogmore Cottage to stay with husband Jack Brooksbank during Covid lockdowns in 2020.
But the couple now split their time between Portugal and London due to his high-flying job.
Jack works in marketing and sales at a private resort near the village on the Alentejo coast, which is situated 80 miles south of Lisbon.
Eugenie struck up a friendship with Meghan before the Sussexes began dating and the trio were believed to keep in regular contact.
Eugenie spent time with Harry at the Super Bowl in Los Angeles in 2022 and was spotted in Montecito in February last year.
She is understood to be the first member of the Firm to make the 5,500-mile trip since the couple quit the UK.
Hugo Vickers told The Sun: “I think it’s a question of family dynamics. I would say that I don’t think it’s political at all.
“I think that they just get on very well together. You know they know each other extremely well. She’s a lovely girl.
“I’ve met her a number of times over the years, and you know she’s got a very warm heart, and it’s great that they’re friends. I think this is really important, and I would encourage that.
“And so I think it’s very, very good news if indeed it’s true that he’s got a house quite near where they are in Portugal, because any amount of sort of rapprochement and friendship between those two should be encouraged.
“I mean she herself is not right in the heart of the royal family in so much as that she and her sister Beatrice don’t undertake royal duties, they do do charitable works from time to time.
“They are princesses of the royal house. Obviously they will be included in many of the big occasions.
“They just love each other, and they get on very well. You know they’re cousins, and they’ve been brought up side by side.
“They’re they’re not so far different in ages, and it’s a great friendship. I commend it highly.
“I mean Diana and Fergie were were indeed very close, and maybe maybe that’s part of the bond. I’m sure Sarah Ferguson would also be very encouraging to Prince Harry.”
The royal historian then shone a spotlight on Portugal’s convenient location and proximity to Germany which could be helpful to the dad-of-two for the Invictus Games.
“And I guess you know he’s coming a little bit closer home,” continued Mr Vickers.
“It doesn’t mean he’s going to return to to England. But Portugal is not so far from London.”
It was hoped that Eugenie could have acted as an intermediary between the Sussexes and the royal family.
Royal author Phil Dampier said previously: “They’ve always got on very well and been very close so if there is going to be an emissary, or an intermediary, between Harry and the Royal Family back home, she could well fit the bill.”
Meanwhile, in his bombshell Spare memoir, Harry spoke of introducing Meghan to his cousin: “I remember Euge hugging Meg as if they were sisters.”
And, royal authors Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand wrote in the Sussex biography Finding Freedom: “Out of all the Queen’s grand-children, Harry and Eugenie have one of the most natural connections.
“Like Harry, Eugenie is loyal, honest and great fun.
“The two had many nights out together in London, sneaking into back entrances of clubs, such as Mahiki, where Jack once was manager, or Tonteria, where in one of the VIP cave areas they downed shots from Mexican skull shaped glasses and a giant frozen margarita (with multiple straws).”
Nicknamed “Youj” or “Bouj” by her friends, the book also notes that like Harry, “Eugenie also struggled to carve out her own identity growing up”.
It added: “Harry had always confided in his cousin when it came to the women in his life.
“Not only did he trust her implicitly, but friends say that she gives great advice and has always been ‘beyond wise’ for her years.”
A representative for the Sussexes was contacted for comment.
World’s WEIRDEST cars unveiled – from EV that can SWIM, motor with square steering wheel & AI EV named after Brit icon
PETROLHEADS and car industry boffins gathered at this year’s Paris Motor Show to showcase the newest models and cutting-edge concepts – with no shortage of attention-grabbing displays.
The famous show, which runs through to Sunday, comes as European carmakers face challenges on the path to electrification.
Iconic manufacturers such as Volkswagen, BMW, and Stellantis have issued profit warnings in recent times, with weak customer demand for EVs their main source of concern coupled with fierce competition abroad – especially from China.
Perhaps the biggest threat to the current status quo is the ever-growing car brand BYD, with the Chinese EV maker making huge strides across Europe.
In Paris, they showed off the Yangwang U8 – a plug-in hybrid SUV that can “swim” for up to 30 minutes, park sideways, and turn in place like a tank.
Equipped with four electric motors, one for each wheel, it even boasts a roof-mounted drone to help the driver see further ahead.
It wasn’t all doom and gloom for European brands though, as Stellantis’ very own Peugeot drew attention with its Hypersquare steering wheel, which resembles a video game controller.
Set to debut in 2026, this quirky design is aimed at younger drivers and featured in the Peugeot Inception concept car.
Meanwhile, Peugeot’s French rivals Renault showcased their retro-inspired R4, a small electric SUV designed to rival Chinese budget models.
They also presented the new-and-improved Twizy – which this time is a two-seater electric runabout called the Duo.
It has twice the range and speed of Citroen’s Ami and will hit showrooms in May from £10,000.
Stellantis also introduced the Citroen C4 and C4X, which offers hybrid, electric, and combustion engine options – and even features clever pothole-proof tech.
Another stand out set of wheels from China was Xpeng’s all-electric P7+, which is curiously powered by a chip named after British computing icon Alan Turing – signalling a future of AI-powered mobility.
For a further look at the Paris Motor Show, Sun Motors’ supremo Rob Gill revealed his top ten cars from the event.
This comes as Elon Musk unveiled Tesla’s driverless robot bus EV – with fans spotting an eerie similarity to an iconic kids’ show.
The brand’s new Robovan can carry up to 20 people at a time and transport goods.
Elsewhere, a wacky inventor has dug a 15ft trench with a network of tunnels under his drive to store his iconic DeLorean.
The crazy compound is more than worthy of Back to the Future’s Doc Brown and has been dubbed the “biggest DIY project” in the UK.
Paris Motor Show 2024 greatest hits
Alpine A110 R Ultime
Alpine’s Formula 1 efforts might be a steaming mess in 2024, but their business in the car industry couldn’t be more exciting.
The upcoming Renault 5-inspired Alpine A290 could be the hot hatchback of all hot hatchbacks for the EV era, while newly unveiled A110 R Ultime gives the loveable lightweight sports cars plenty of supercar oomph.
The R Ultime will cost the equivalent of around £222,000, and comes with 345bhp and a 0-60mph acceleration of just 3.6 seconds.
Unfortunately, only 110 examples will be made.
Renault Twingo
Renault’s Twingo is making a comeback as an affordable EV, expected to cost under £17,000. It takes inspiration from both the 1990s model and the new Renault 5, with retro details like round headlights and hidden rear handles.
Leapmotor B10
Little-known Chinese brand Leapmotor showed off their B10, a C-segment SUV competing with the likes of the Mini Aceman. It will feature a customisable digital cockpit and advanced driver assistance systems.
Citroen Ami
Citroen’s updated Ami quadricycle now sports a refreshed look, with design elements inspired by the iconic 2CV and Oli concept. The drivetrain remains unchanged, featuring a 5.5kWh battery with a range of 46 miles, and miniscule 8bhp output.
This Morning star opens up on show culture amid ‘bullying’ claims and being reunited with Holly Willoughby
THIS Morning’s Dr Scott Miller has opened up about culture and workplace environment behind-the-scenes of the ITV show after he reunited with Holly Willoughby.
Scott also directly addressed “bullying” on the set of This Morning while speaking exclusively to The Sun.
Alongside fronting Channel 4’s Vet on the Hill, TV vet Scott is a regular fixture on ITV’s This Morning.
Speaking about what goes on behind the scenes of the popular daytime show, Scott told The Sun: “I’ve experienced support and kindness from the entire team, top to bottom.”
“The production team are friends and they are really good at what they do. And then, you know, everyone on camera, the sort of This Morning family, we’re all great mates.
“So it’s not my experience at all,” he added in response to the allegations against This Morning being a “toxic workplace” with “bullying” behind the scenes.
The accusations came to light last year when a “large number” of current and former ITV employees have made claims against the show.
However, Scott has made it clear that has not been his experience working on the show. He also revealed that he has remained friends with Holly following her exit from This Morning last year.
“And, you know, certainly it was great to be at the NTAs and although we didn’t win, we got to see Holly and she came and said hi and we got photos and, you know, she’s a great, a great lady,” he gushed.
Scott and Holly enjoying their public reunion at the 2024 National Television Awards as he was there representing This Morning.
The TV vet’s comments come just weeks after he found himself being rushed to hospital due to a serious back injury.
In a previous interview with The Sun, Scott revealed the dramatic details.
“I had two slipped discs. I actually went into This Morning and I reached to get some sunglasses, very, very macho, into the back of the car,” he said.
“And then I literally took five steps and I couldn’t get past the front door, really. Had to get rolled on in a wheelchair onto the set to do my item because I said that I definitely wanted to do it.
“But by the time I got home, I couldn’t stand. I couldn’t stand or sit,” Scott explained.
He continued: “So I had to crawl in and out of my car and then in the end it just was so bad.
Could You Bet! be the full circle moment Holly Willoughby needs?
By Joshua Rom
When Holly Willoughby finally announced her departure from This Morning in October 2023 it felt almost like a crescendo. After her feud with Phillip Schofield, dealing with the revelation about his workplace relationship, months of speculation, a lacklustre return to the daytime show and a horrendous kidnap plot it seemed like her own departure was almost a relief.
She made her return to TV on Dancing On Ice, a show that first shot her to superstardom that she knew inside and out. This was combined with a long-standing colleague from her days in children’s TV to serve as her co-host in the form of Stephen Mulhern. It was a safe and steady bet for the star that placed emphasis on the continuity of her career despite unprecedented challenges.
She was previously announced as one of the hosts for a new jungle challenge show for Netflix called Bear Hunt. The streamer reportedly spent £1million on a ‘ring of steel’ security detail made up of ex-special forces and former military guns to protect her against drug gangs and kidnappers. We are still yet to see this show but with contestants such as Mel B, Shirley Ballas and Steph McGovern it is sure to be a must-watch.
But You Bet! feels like a proper homecoming for the star as she returns to ITV with her first new format since she left This Morning. Her partnership with Stephen Mulhern will continue and the new show could cement them as the new golden hosting couple of the most popular commercial broadcaster. Huge names like Olly Murs and Harry Redknapp will only bolster their star power and viewers will surely love the on-screen reunion with her former colleague and BFF Alison Hammond. Plus, you cannot go wrong with a beloved TV game show format from the 90s. The BBC can attest to this with the success of Gladiators.
On paper, this news has all the qualities for a major success and maybe it will be the show to usher in a new era for Holly Willoughby.
“I went to A&E and then was admitted to hospital for five days. And, yeah, so two MRIs later and lots of medication.
“Thankfully, I didn’t need surgery. Now it’s sort of, you know, exercise and to sort of get myself right. But, yeah, it was a big wake up call.”
‘Paradise’ island in Europe has fairytale towns and bright blue lagoon – and feels like going back in time
AN island has been described as paradise – with blue lagoons, sandy beaches and towns like something from a fairytale.
Gotland is off the coast of Stockholm, between Sweden and Latvia.
It’s not one to visit in winter – many stores close and temperatures drop as low as 2C.
But visit in the summer and you can see why it has been dubbed a paradise island by Visit Sweden.
The main town is on the east coast, with Visby feeling like you’re gone back in time.
Also compared to a fairytale town, the quaint shops and buildings are painted in bright colours.
One of the most popular foodie spots is Lilla Bjers with small plates that have been called “once-in-a-lifetime dining” with it all farm to table.
For something more laidback, there is the also-popular Surfers, a Chinese restaurant.
There is a huge Viking history too, with burial grounds, museums and even a reconstructed Viking village.
You can stay the night at Stavgard, with longhouses you can rent to ‘glamp’ in
Another popular attraction are sea stacks, also called raukar, which are limestone monoliths scattered along the coast.
While there, make sure to fine the island’s own Blue Lagoon, with waters that are bright turquoise in the summer.
Otherwise if you are outdoorsy, there are lots of flat cycle paths, hiking trails and even shallow beaches to swim in.
You will have to time it right, with temperatures between 20C and 25C in the summer.
Fancy staying? Some of the popular hotels include Clarion Hotel Wisby or the Hotel St Clemens, with rooms inside historical buildings.
There are also budget options such as Best Westerns and and Scandic Visby.
There are two ways to get to Gotland.
One is by ferry, taking around three hours when departing from either Nynäshamn or Oskershamn.
Or you can fly to Visby Airport on the island, with flights from both Stockholm and Gothenburg.
Brits can travel from the UK to Stockholm for £14.99 with Ryanair from London Stansted, or to Gothenburg from £15.21.
What is it like to go on a cruise around Scandinavia?
The Sun’s Associate Bizarre Editor Howell Davies went on one – here’s his review.
My trip on one of Hurtigruten’s ships, the 590-capacity MS Nordnorge, was in order to see the Northern Lights.
The cruise allowed me to cover plenty of ground, from Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim — frequently referred to as the Notre Dame of Norway for its stained-glass rose window — to the dramatic, snow-topped mountains in Finnsnes.
During my October visit the sun still rises, although hanging low in the sky especially as I headed farther north to the charming city of Tromsø.
The colourful houses of Norway, with window frames dusted with snow, make for beautiful Christmas card scenes and nothing made me feel more festive than watching them go by as I sipped from a hot mug of cocoa.
I’m still not a fan of the cold — but with this cruise, I was glad I took the plunge.
Here’s an island in Denmark that has been dubbed “sunshine island”.
Want to stay in the UK? Here are the British islands where you are most likely to see the Northern Lights.
Premier League LIVE SCORES: Man City facing Wolves before Liverpool host Chelsea in mouthwatering clash – updates
THE PREMIER League has rolled into what stands to be a thrilling day of action today.
Manchester City hope to be top of the table after the first match of the day when they travel to struggling Wolves, although it could only be briefly.
Then later, Liverpool host Chelsea in huge conclusion to the day with all eyes on top spot.
- Kick-off times: 2pm/ 4.30pm
- TV channel/ live stream: Sky Sports Main Event
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KEEP up with all the scores and results from the Premier League with our live blog below…
Popular kids Halloween costume that could lead to nits and sickness, expert reveals & what to choose instead
AN expert has revealed the hidden dangers of kids’ Halloween costumes, including nits and lurgy.
Halloween is fast approaching, and many of our little ones will be excitedly planning which of their favourite film characters or spooky creatures to dress up with.
Throwing a mask on can be a simple way to immediately transform yourself into a frightening ghoul.
However, Tom Golubovich, a Halloween & design expert from Ninja Transfers, highlighted that masks can actually pose a number of dangers to children, especially those under five.
He said: “While masks might seem like an easy way to complete a costume, they can actually cause hidden safety concerns for young children.
“From breathing issues to hygiene concerns involving germs and nits, there are better and safer alternatives for kids this Halloween.”
Breathing Issues
Halloween masks are often made with thick materials, and have small breathing holes, meaning that they can restrict airflow.
Tom said: “The physical exertion of walking from house to house, combined with the excitement of the night, may exacerbate breathing difficulties when wearing a mask.”
He added that younger children have smaller airways, meaning that Halloween masks could turn a fun night into a dangerous experience for little ones.
Safety and Comfort
Halloween masks that don’t fit right can obstruct children’s vision, increasing the risk of trips and falls on dark streets.
Tom added: “The constant adjustment of an uncomfortable mask can also distract children from paying attention to their surroundings, potentially leading to separation from their group in crowded Halloween events.
“These safety concerns are amplified in bustling trick-or-treat scenarios where visibility and awareness are crucial.”
Hygiene
A great way to save money, is for kids to swap and share costumes between them.
However, this can lead to the spread of germs and bacteria.
Children trying on each other’s masks could lead to the spread of cold viruses, and even head lice.
Safety advice for parents about Halloween costumes
The ROSPA has advice for parents around Halloween costumes and children’s safety…
- Check that all Halloween and fancy dress costumes you buy carry a UKCA or UKNI mark on the label
- As with all clothing, Halloween and fancy dress outfits should always be kept away from fire, lit candles and all other naked flames
- If lit candles are part of your celebrations always follow their safety guidelines, and remember:
- Always supervise children and pets if using lit candles
- Do not allow children to carry, play, reach over, light or be near lit candles
- Never leave a burning candle unattended
- Remember always to extinguish a candle completely after use
- Take care when using candles at Halloween. Do not carry pumpkins with lit candles inside, consider using battery-operated candles instead
- Children should always be supervised by a suitable adult
- If fireworks are part of your celebrations, follow the Firework Code (see our fireworks safety page for more information)
- Be aware that homemade fancy dress costumes or those not tested to the same flammability standards may ignite easily and burn quicker
- Ensure children can be seen in the dark; ideally they should wear something reflective such as a reflective strip, and carry a torch.
Tom added: “This practice is particularly risky given that many kids touch their faces frequently while adjusting ill-fitting masks and sharing masks with each other.”
“Additionally, the warm, moist environment inside a mask can become a breeding ground for bacteria, especially when worn for extended periods during trick-or-treating or Halloween parties.”
Instead of masks, Tom recommends using face paint and makeup instead.
This is a great way to get creative, but make sure to use hypoallergenic products, to protect sensitive skin.
Portsmouth stars get trapped in lift and ration water between TEN players after win over QPR
PORTSMOUTH’S players were left rationing water after getting trapped in a lift on Saturday.
Following their win over QPR, 10 Pompey stars were stuck between floors in the elevator.
John Mousinho’s side claimed their first Championship victory of the season at Loftus Road.
Pompey came from behind to win 2-1 thanks to goals from Freddie Potts and Callum Lang.
However, both players were then trapped in a lift with eight of their team-mates.
Defender Tom McIntyre revealed their plight on social media after sharing a video to his Instagram story.
The clip showed the players huddled inside the lift as they forced open the door, only to be met with a wall.
Several stars looked on as full-back Jordan Williams inspected the door before McIntyre panned the camera to show Owen Moxon sipping from his water bottle.
Match-winner Lang could then be seen turning to Moxon and hilariously telling him: “Actually save the water just in case.”
After making it out of the elevator, McIntyre uploaded the video alongside the caption: “Need to get stuck in the lift every week.”
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Lang himself also shared the post to his own story, adding: “Save that water lads,” with a brain emoji.
Reacting to the incident on social media, one fan wrote: “Let’s hope they’re out in time for Cardiff.”
Meanwhile, another simply added: “Brilliant,” with a string of crying laughing emojis.
Pompey are back in action on Tuesday night as they visit Cardiff, who are one place above them in 22nd on goal difference.
Saturday’s win was their first in the second tier for over 4,000 days after a 12-year absence from the Championship.
The League One champions sealed their return in dramatic fashion back in April by beating Barnsley at Fratton Park.
Their maiden win also compounded the misery on QPR, who dropped to the foot of the table after just one win in 10 matches this season.
My fiancé said he was an aristocrat called Lord Bertie but he was fraudster who conned me out of £30K and slept with men
GLANCING at the huge five carat Cartier diamond ring glistening on her engagement finger and the handsome man who’d just proposed, Megan Clarke beamed with happiness.
Their whirlwind romance sounded like something out of a fairytale, with bar manager Megan swept off her feet by charming Lord Bertie Underwood, who’d spent months winning her affections with luxury gifts and trips away.
However just months later Megan’s world was turned upside down, when she discovered the ‘Lord’ she’d fallen in love with was nothing but a serial scammer, who left her with a broken heart and £30k of debt.
Despite being in a relationship for 18 months Megan was devastated to discover she didn’t even know the real name of the man she loved, and even her engagement ring was fake.
Bizarrely, justice was served and ‘Bertie’ was sent to prison for five years for unrelated fraud charges – but absconded from prison in 2022 and is still on the run today.
Megan, 27, who has bravely opened up about the experience in a new Channel 4 series called Love Cheats, says: “When we were together I felt on top of the world. It really did feel like a dream come true.
“I’ve always been so independent, confident and outgoing – you just never think [something like this] would ever happen to you, or even someone you know.
“The idea of you knowing someone and them being in your life for that period of time and [you didn’t] even know their name – that’s not something you think happens.
“I thought I would have been ‘on the ball’ enough to spot it – but obviously not.”
A ‘true gentleman’
Megan met ‘Bertie’ back in 2017 when she was 20.
Despite being young she was mature for her age and fiercely independent and was career-driven – successfully setting up and managing a trendy bar.
At that point she had been happily single for two years.
She says: “I was very much enjoying the dating scene, going out on lots of dinner dates and meeting lots of new people.”
Then, while working in the bar one quiet midweek evening during the summer, she met Bertie.
Within days he’d sent a huge bunch of flowers to my work… There’s not that many ‘gentlemen’ out there who’d send flowers, just to ask you on a date
Megan Clarke
She says: “I remember clocking him as he came in. He was tall, dark, handsome, well-dressed. I was quite taken aback by how different he was to everyone else. He stood out.
“He introduced himself as Bertie Underwood. He was very well spoken, polite, well-mannered.
“He’d just moved to the island from the mainland… He was a horologist [someone who designs, repairs and makes watches].
“Within days he’d sent a huge bunch of flowers to my work.
“There was a note saying ‘it was lovely to meet you, be ready for 7pm tonight, I’m taking you on a date’. It definitely felt like what they do in the movies.
“There’s not that many ‘gentlemen’ out there who’d send flowers, just to ask you on a date.”
‘I felt on top of the world’
That week, the couple went on their first date – a meal at a fancy restaurant.
Megan recalls: “I dressed up, and wore a long black dress.
“We had champagne, a three course meal – it was really lovely.
“I was only 20 at the time, and I’d never had that treatment before.
“There was something there between us.
“He also told me he was a lord, it was something he was open about.
“He said his great great grandad had invented the Underwood typewriter and that’s where his name and money had
come from.”
That night the pair shared their first kiss, and their romance quickly intensified, enjoying luxury trips to London, days out in Bertie’s Bentley and when he went away on business trips he’d always bring back clothes or perfume as gifts, even buying Megan a car and a puppy.
Megan says: “Within a month of seeing each other every day we’d said we loved each other.”
A few months later, Megan moved into his beautiful three storey home with a sea view he said he’d bought at auction, and he also won round Megan’s family.
She says: “Everything did move very fast. He offered for me to move in with him, which at the time was a huge deal for me because I’d never lived with a partner before.”
A lavish proposal fit for a lady
Six months later the pair celebrated their first Christmas together, and Bertie proposed.
Megan says: “We were just sat on the sofa, having a drink. He turned around and said he had one more present left for me, and pulled out this very nice red Cartier bag, got down on one knee and asked me to marry him.
“The reason he proposed so early was he said his family were very traditional, and marriage was very important to them.
“Looking back I was young, but I definitely thought at the time I was a lot more mature. I was excited.”
Megan began excitedly planning her big day straight away – and it was a no-expense spared wedding.
Megan was also promised the title of ‘lady’ – a title she didn’t plan to use.
She says: “I’d think to myself ‘is this what it’s like marrying a lord?’ It was quite a surreal experience.
“We had everything set in stone, we had the date, wedding planning was in full swing.”
‘I started questioning everything’
Looking back, Megan realises now there were some potential red flags – but at the time she was blinded by happiness.
Bertie encouraged her to quit her much-loved job and work for him instead, and he didn’t allow any posts of him on social media, for example.
She says: “I couldn’t understand why it was so serious and important to him.
“He said his dad was so high up in the navy none of his family were allowed social media.”
Megan also quickly noticed they were getting a lot of post addressed to someone else.
When she asked Bertie he fobbed her off, but when the post showed no signs of slowing, two months before the wedding Megan decided to do some digging.
Megan says: “I went into his office. I started going through the drawers. I don’t really know what I was expecting to find.
“I [found] a wallet with numerous different bank cards in multiple different names. None of which were Bertie Underwood.
“I asked Bertie and his attitude changed instantly. He shut it down quite quickly and got very defensive and irate. It’s definitely when I started questioning everything.”
Romance scams: The facts
- Santander issued a warning recently after nearly £4 million was reported as stolen from the bank’s customers through romance scams over the past six months alone.
- Victims were aged between 18 and 93 – highlighting that adults of all ages are targeted by fraudsters.
- In 2023, men were slightly more likely to succumb to a romance scam, making up 52 per cent of cases, according to research by Lloyds Bank.
- When women do fall victim to a romance scammer, they tend to report higher losses – an average £9,083, compared to an average £5,145 lost by men.
- If you think you have been a victim of a romance scam, do not feel ashamed or embarrassed – you are not alone.
- Contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via actionfraud.police.uk.
- If you are in Scotland, please report to Police Scotland directly by calling 101.
‘Instantly I felt sick’
Retreating to her mum’s, Megan started delving deeper. She says: “Something wasn’t right so we started googling the names from the bank cards.
“Honestly, I was shocked. His mugshot came up everywhere, he was in multiple news articles.
“Instantly I felt sick.”
Megan discovered Bertie Underwood, along with Robert Doughty, and Robert Soanes-Madejski were just some of his many aliases he’d used over the years, and he had a long history of fraud.
He’d been sent to a young offenders institute for 27 months in 2012 after trying to con a businessman out of his £39,500 Bentley.
Before that in 2010 he’d pretended to be called Lord Robert J Doughty – a title he’d bought on the internet – with over a million pounds to his name, committing a number of fraud offences.
Heartbroken and £30k debt
Now, he’d successfully duped Megan and her whole family, and Megan claims she’s been left paying off his debt – although he’s never been convicted of any offences against Megan.
Soon after their split letters in Megan’s name started to arrive – with credit card bills in Megan’s name.
Megan says: “He’d taken out all of these things in my name without me knowing. Around £30,000.
“I don’t come from money and I had no savings.
“I’d also been working for him and he’d been covering my bills so I had nothing except the car he gave me and my engagement ring.
“I thought I could sell the ring, but it turned out to be fake [so] I just had to bite the bullet and start paying off the debt.
“We went to the police and action fraud [but] unfortunately there wasn’t a great deal they could do.”
This person who was my world was never a real person. None of it was real. He must have never had any intention of marrying me.
Megan Clarke
Luckily for Megan, while Bertie had told her he’d booked and paid for wedding suppliers, it later transpired he hadn’t confirmed most of them – meaning Megan wasn’t left with wedding debt when it all went wrong.
Megan adds: “I’m a very strong person but I had to move back home and I had days when I’d break down and cry crazy amounts.
“I’m so positive and happy but I did dwell on it. There were a couple of times I wondered if I might be depressed, which was so unlike me.
“It was horrendous but I made myself busy and focused on setting up my own photography business in 2019.”
‘None of it was real’
Not long after, Megan’s mum uploaded a Facebook post to warn others about Bertie – and it quickly went viral.
Megan says: “I had multiple men contact me to tell me they had been sleeping with him. Not only was he cheating on me, he was doing it in my bed, with men.
“This person who was my world was never a real person. None of it was real.
“He must have never had any intention of marrying me.”
About a year and a half later, Megan discovered he’d been arrested for fraud offences carried out on another victim.
She says: “I actually wrote to Bertie, to try and get some answers or closure I suppose, and he called me once from prison – but hearing his voice I just felt sick.
“That was the last time I spoke to him.”
He was sentenced to five years for fraud, however bizarrely in May 2022 Bertie escaped from prison – and he’s still on the run today.
Megan says: “I’ve been in town and seen someone and thought it was him before but I don’t think he’d return to the Island. It’s a very small place.
“He’s getting away with it because he isn’t on social media, and no one knows who he is.”
Onwards and upwards
Megan has now worked hard to pay off the majority of the debt and rebuild her life, and now has her own mortgage and successful photography business – although she is still making debt repayments even now.
She says: “I don’t know what he spent it on – probably whatever we were doing day to day.
“Bills and letters were still turning up years later, literally just a few weeks ago I had an email about an outstanding credit card bill in my name.”
Megan is currently single, and admits the whole experience has put her off relationships.
She says: “I’ve always said ‘you should trust someone until they give you a reason not to’ but obviously [what happened] has had a massive effect.
“I want to believe there aren’t many people out there like him, but it’s easier said than done.”
Love Cheats airs at 9pm Sunday 20 October, on Channel 4.
